I’m one of those people who loves spending time on holidays tracking down organic, locally owned and healthy places to eat. Point me in the direction of your eco-focussed cafe or shop and I’m there. Whether it’s raw, vegan, vegetarian, paleo I don’t mind. But ideally I’m looking for places that offer organic. I’ve found that’s usually a by-word for ‘we care’. And nothing gives me more pleasure than supporting small businesses that care.
Here’s my lowdown on the places we unearthed recently on our visit to the Sunshine Coast.
Organic Cafes
21-37 Birtwell St, Coolum Beach (closed Sundays)
New Earth Cafe, Coolum Beach
We really enjoyed this relaxed, raw, vegan, organic cafe. My brother and I shared a couple of dishes and I was impressed that our meals were served on separate plates. So this pic above is my half of the raw vegan burger, beautifully presented. Even the green juice we ordered came out in 2 glasses. Lots to choose from the menu and the specials board. We went back for a second visit with the kids and they enjoyed a stack of raw pancakes, acai bowls and some raw treats.
7/11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba (open every day)
Ground Organics, Mooloolaba
We first visited Ground a year ago and the menu has definitely changed since then. More cooked food available, and less focus on raw, vegan options. Still a good mix though and it’s worth a visit to this popular cafe.
1/25 Maple St, Maleny (open Thurs-Mon)
Living Kitchen, Maleny
This cafe was a bit further away than the others, probably took us 45mins to get there, but the scenic drive alone is worth the effort. I enjoyed a fresh rawsagna (raw lasagna) and we all shared this stack of raw pancakes with cacao sauce. The menu is super-cute and the emphasis is on raw, vegan, organic and gluten-free.
The Shak Organic Cafe and Wine Bar
11/43 Burnett St, Buderim (closed Mondays)
The Shak Organics Cafe, Buderim
This cafe and wine bar bills itself as health food restaurant and the extensive menu supports that goal. It’s probably the most mainstream of all the places we visited (local and nitrate free bacon as a side with your eggs Benedict) so would make a good all-ages cafe. You can have your cold pressed juice and organic fair trade coffee. Everything we ordered here was visually beautiful and tasted amazing. Possibly my favourite non-raw/vegan cafe.
Groceries and Bulkstores
20c Tamari St, Pacific Paradise (open 7 days)
Less than 12 months old, this organic grocery store is a welcome addition to ‘our’ neighbourhood. They pack a lot into a small space and it’s well laid out so you can find exactly what you need. Bulk dry goods, buy cialis from canada frozen meat, local fresh fruit and veg, pantry essentials, personal care items, practitioner-only supplements and a small selection of raw treats. Definitely hit this place before going to the next-door Coles.
7 Ocean St, Maroochydore
Opened at the end of 2014, this new bulk wholefoods store is easily navigated and packed full of tempting treats and essentials. Most items are organic and labelled accordingly. It’s a great place to buy all your favourites in the quantities you want as well as discover new foods. I was happy to find baobab powder which meant I could buy a small bagful to try.
37 Maple St, Maleny
After eating at Living Kitchen, wander up to this large, well-established grocery store. Take time to poke around and discover their mission to “provide our community with healthy, ethical and progressive choices for personal, cultural and planetary well-being through the practice and promotion of co-operative principles”.
1/932 David Low Way, Marcoola
This sweet little grocery store offers a selection of organic and pesticide-free local fruit and veg and bulk wholefoods. We bought a bag of local lychee that tasted far buy klonopin cheap online better than they looked, and there were locally made gifts and soap for sale.
My other Sunshine Coast favourites
Buchi Kombucha
Buchi is available at many of the cafes and grocery stores we visited but I also like stocking up directly from their Noosa Farmers Market stall. Here they offer tastings which is a great way to discover your favourite flavour from their tempting selection. here you can buy bulk votes for online voting
155 Weyba Rd, Noosaville (every Sunday 7am-12noon)
Noosa Farmers Market, Noosaville
Amazing choice of stall holders selling all sorts of fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy, snacks, meals, fruit and veg. Just go.
20 Ninderry Rd, Yandina
The Spirit House, Yandina
We come to this family favourite restaurant once a year and it’s become a tradition. It never disappoints, and I always feel transported to an exotic location in south-east Asia when we step through the gates. Definitely a special occasion destination offering contemporary Thai cuisine.
50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina
Another family tradition, a visit to the Ginger Factory (usually after lunch at the Spirit House). Free entry, well stocked gift shop as you enter, easy to wander around, ice cream for the kids, stores to browse and a couple of tours and rides to consider. A sentimental favourite.
And a couple of places for next visit…
926 Maleny-Montville Rd, Maleny
The raw treats at this place look amazing.
330 Mons Rd, Forest Glen
A one-stop shop by the looks of it and definitely on my list for next time.
Where do you like to eat and shop on the Sunshine Coast? I’d love to hear! Share your favourite places in the comments.
A must visit is “the gypsies table” in montville
Thanks for the tip, Donna!